BLANCHARD — The Montabella Mustangs boys golf team has improved on the course each of the past couple of years. Those improvements are expected to continue with high expectations this year.

The Mustangs did not make it beyond districts a year ago, but will be looking to return to regionals and even the state tournament.

“Last year we had very little experience, even with two seniors. This team has at least a year or two experience behind them,” Montabella coach Dave Nelson said. “They have been working hard to improve their game to give us a shot to compete. We are looking to get back into the regional and state tournament this year.”

Returning for the Mustangs are seniors Paul Belingar and Robert Lawler; juniors Parker Eldred and Austin Garner and sophomores Dakoda Lobert and Michael Hyde.

“Freshman Austin Huber looks like he will be a valuable addition to the program,” Nelson said.

Eldred and Garner have competed at the varsity level since their freshman years.

“They will have to step up and take leadership roles on the team this year,” Nelson said. “They are expected to step up and lead. The good thing is they are both very capable of being able to do that.”

Nelson said his team peaked mid-season a year ago and ran out of gas at the end of the year.

“We knew we didn’t have the experience to compete against all of our opponents,” he said. “But we did match up very well throughout last year.”

Montabella will not have the chance to compete for a Mid State Activities Conference title since there are just two league teams — Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart the other.

“Next year with Carson City-Crystal joining the league we will be able to compete again for a league title,” Nelson said.

The Mustangs begin their season Wednesday at the Sacred Heart at 4 p.m.

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Montabella’s girls basketball team had a record-setting season and the rest of the Mid-State Activities Conference noticed. The Mustangs had four of their players named to the all-conference teams for their play this season.